NRL fans and fellow players are sending congratulations to Konrad Hurrell after the former Warriors and Titans player announced his immediate retirement from professional rugby league. The 34-year-old played 257 games of first-grade rugby league across stints with the New Zealand Warriors, Gold Coast Titans, Leeds Rhinos, St Helens, Halifax, Swinton, Bradford and Lézignan Sangliers.
He played 71 games for the Warriors after making his NRL debut in 2012, before another 45 for the Gold Coast Titans. He became a cult hero in the NRL before taking his talents to the English Super League and eventually France.
Konrad Hurrell played over 250 first-grade games and 13 Tests for Tonga. Image: Getty
(Getty)
He took to social media this week to announce his retirement after his Super XIII season ended with Lezignan in France. “I appreciate your love and welcome for me and my little family in the Lezignan family and this great club,” he wrote before posting a statement to confirm his retirement.
“Loving French XIII rugby. To the boys and coaches, sorry my French sucks, I’ll be better next time. Love you all.”
Hurrell played 13 Tests for Tonga and was part of the team that scored a famous victory over Australia in 2019. It was the first time a Tier-2 nation had beaten Australia in a rugby league Test match since 1978.
He was also part of the St Helens team that beat the Penrith Panthers on their home turf to win the World Club Challenge in 2023. It’s the only major trophy the Panthers have failed to win despite their four-straight NRL premierships.
Konrad Hurrell (R) after a game for Gold Coast Titans in 2018.
(Jono Searle)NRL world pays tribute to Konrad Hurrell
He also won the Challenge Cup in England with the Leeds Rhinos in 2020, and finishes with 112 tries from 257 games. On social media, fans and fellow players paid tribute and sent their congratulations on his 14-year career.
Former Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt wrote: “Enjoy retirement toko! Much love.” Pierre Monteil, Shona Hoyle, Dominique Peyroux and Jamason Faanana-Schultz were among other players to send messages to Hurrell.
Konrad Hurrell (bottom right) helped St Helens beat Penrith in the 2023 World Club Challenge.
(Mark Metcalfe)
The ‘Rugby League Fan Club’ account wrote: “Konrad wasn’t just a player…he was pure entertainment. A wrecking ball with a smile, a fan favourite everywhere he went, and someone who played the game with passion, power and heart every single week.
From devastating defenders to inspiring communities off the field, Hurrell leaves the sport with the respect of teammates, opponents and fans across the world.”